April 2012

March 2012

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The PCPartPicker Build Series highlights different computer builds several times a month. Sets of components are assembled, benchmarked, and reviewed, covering different price points and use cases from basic browsing to gaming.

This build provides a capable gaming machine that handles current games with ease. By pairing an Intel Core i5-2500K processor and a Hyper 212 EVO CPU cooler, we can extract even more performance by modestly overclocking the system.

For gaming builds, the Intel Core i5-2500K is the dominant favorite. Excellent performance, great overclocking potential, and a modest price make this an almost unbeatable choice for a gaming CPU.

With good cooling, a relatively small footprint, and a convenient handle on top, the Cooler Master Storm Scout case is an interesting candidate for LAN events. For a case this size, cooling is certainly adequate. While the side panel window has mounts for two 120mm fans, the height of the Hyper212 EVO CPU cooler effectively blocks one from being used. Also be warned that the plastic expansion slot latches are extremely fragile - applying a small amount of pressure in the wrong spot caused one to break.